Highland Zones Research Articles

The first detection of Braula coeca in honey bee colonies in Uganda

Although Braula coeca does not parasitize honey bees, it causes economic impact when its larval stage burrows under the capping of honey combs. We sampled 175 and 195 honey bee colonies between December 2014–September 2015 during the dry and wet seasons respectively from two highland agro-ecological zones of Uganda with the aim of establishing B. coeca presence, infestation levels and its knowledge by beekeepers. The results confirmed the presence of B. coeca with infestation levels being high during the dry season compared to the wet season. Infestation levels of the B. coeca were generally lower than those reported in other countries suggesting that local honey bees have mechanisms that maintain low pest levels. Finally, majority of the beekeepers were not aware of this pest and were not carrying out any targeted control measures against B. coeca or Varroa destructor.

The importance of localized hunting of diverse animals to early inhabitants of the Eastern Tibetan Plateau at the Neolithic site of Xiaoenda

Understanding of when and how human groups engaged with and settled different regions of the Tibetan Plateau has been greatly extended in the past decade. Research on the mid/late Holocene has focused on the roles of material cultural traditions and cropping systems in the process of long-term settlement. In this paper, we shift the focus to explore animal-based subsistence strategies used to adapt to life on the eastern Tibetan Plateau. Dated to between 5000 and 4000 cal. BP, Xiaoenda represents one of the oldest Neolithic sites known in this region. New zooarchaeological data from Xiaoenda reveals that the site's inhabitants relied on a diverse array of wild animal taxa. This contrasts with previous assertions regarding the role of domestic animals in this region. Xiaoenda's location between highland and multiple lower elevation catchment zones allowed access to a range of wild prey species. Zooarchaeological data indicate that the inhabitants of Xiaoenda took advantage of this, practicing a diverse localized hunting strategy. Our findings demonstrate that people at Xiaoenda depended on wild rather than domestic animals and indicate a role for wild game in facilitating continuous occupation in the eastern Tibetan Plateau during the fifth millennium BP.

Identifying loci with breeding potential across temperate and tropical adaptation via EigenGWAS and EnvGWAS.

Understanding the genomic basis of adaptation in maize is important for gene discovery and the improvement of breeding germplasm, but much remains a mystery in spite of significant population genetics and archaeological research. Identifying the signals underpinning adaptation are challenging as adaptation often coincided with genetic drift, and the base genomic diversity of the species in massive. In this study, tGBS technology was used to genotype 1,143 diverse maize accessions including landraces collected from 20 countries and elite breeding lines of tropical lowland, highland, subtropical/midaltitude and temperate ecological zones. Based on 355,442 high‐quality single nucleotide polymorphisms, 13 genomic regions were detected as being under selection using the bottom‐up searching strategy, EigenGWAS. Of the 13 selection regions, 10 were first reported, two were associated with environmental parameters via EnvGWAS, and 146 genes were enriched. Combining large‐scale genomic and ecological data in this diverse maize panel, our study supports a polygenic adaptation model of maize and offers a framework to enhance our understanding of both the mechanistic basis and the evolutionary consequences of maize domestication and adaptation. The regions identified here are promising candidates for further, targeted exploration to identify beneficial alleles and haplotypes for deployment in maize breeding.

Ecological limits and management practices of major arthropod pests of tomato in Kenya

In Kenya, tomato is cultivated for home consumption, as a cash crop, and a source of vitamins. In recent years, the growth rate of tomato production in the country has increased. Yields, however, continue to remain low due to a myriad of constraints, including incidences of arthropod pests. This paper catalogues arthropod pests of tomato in Kenya, establishes the pests’ distribution patterns in relation to spatial and temporal dimensions and documents practices employed by farmers for their management. The study relies on plant health clinics as primary providers of data. Relationship between variables is proved using multinomial logistic regression. A diverse range of arthropod pests was found to hamper tomato production in Kenya. Tomato leaf miner, whiteflies, and spider mites emerged as the major threats to the sustainability of tomato production. Most of the arthropod pests reported were associated with upper and lower midland agro-ecological zones. The reverse, however, was true for upper highland zones. For the management of arthropod pests, essentially, the use of synthetic pesticides was the preferred practice by farmers. The study underscores the need to consider variations in arthropod pests’ risk, both spatially and temporally when designing their management strategies. Also, alternative management procedures to the use of highly hazardous pesticides and better assessments of potential profit-loss to a smallholder for application and non-application of highly hazardous pesticides are required.

Macrofauna Communities in the Mountain Streams of Sri Lanka (Ceylon)

The rheophilic macrobenthic communities of the mountainous part of the island of Sri Lanka have been studied based on the material of 170 quantitative stations of small rivers and streams. Thirteen types of communities are described by taxonomic structure (mainly at the genus level) and habitats; similarities with other regions are also shown. A difference between the communities in the lowland (tropical) and highland (subtropical) zones is observed. This paper provides a taxonomic review of the macrofauna sampled and a description of the regional features of its ecology and diversity. Characteristics of the oriental tropical rheophilic communities in comparison with subtropical and boreal Palearctic communities, the influence of altitudinal zonation, the effect of the island on the community structure, and the biogeographic position of Sri Lanka are discussed.

Farmers’ indigenous knowledge of tree conservation and acidic soil amendments: The role of “baabbo” and “Mona” systems: Lessons from Gedeo community, Southern Ethiopia

The purpose of the study was mainly to document the farmer’s indigenous knowledge (IK) systems on tree conservation and farming practices. The research further assesses the traditional way of soil acidity amendment in highland (dega) agroecological zone. This study combines broadly qualitative methods of anthropological approach to document farmers’ IK in tree conservation, and acidic soil amendments. Data were collected by using the semi-structured interviews, key informant interviews, participatory observation, and focused group discussion. The semi-structured interviews were conducted with a sample of 60 respondents in different agroecological zones to assess the traditional farming practices and tree conservation. The study revealed that, farmers had entrenched and sound local knowledge of tree conservation and acidic soil amendment practices. The “baabbo” and “Mona” are traditional ways of tree conservation and soil acidity amendment practices in mid-land and highland agroecological zones, respectively. The “baabbo” is native and multipurpose tree conservation and retaining traditions on farms. The farmers are deliberately retained indigenous “baabbo” trees in and around the farms for various benefits (such as shading, soil fertility, flooding control, fuelwood, constructions, and fodder). The main and first benefit of “baabbo” conservation is ”shading for crop productivity’’ ranked followed by uses for “soil fertility’’, “fuelwood’’, and ”construction materials’’ and ”cultural values’’. In addition, “mona” is an indigenous way of soil acidity amendment with indigenous fertilizer (organic) in highland agroclimate area (Dega). It is bedding places for animals (cattle and horses) which built near to farmer’s houses or farm-fields for collection of indigenous fertilizer (animal manure). This traditional approach of acidic soil amendment is enabling the farmers to sustain their livelihoods under unfavorable condition without adversely affecting the environment. Therefore, ‘mona’ as well as ‘baabbo’ is an indigenous farming practice that had used by local people to improve their livelihoods and novel approaches to maintain environmental sustainability.

Mapping Cultural Ecosystem Services in Different Landscapes through the Perception of Tourists in Ugam Chatkal National Nature Park, Uzbekistan

Landscapes provide many ecosystem services, such as food and fibers, carbon sequestration, recreation possibilities, and aesthetic beauty or spiritual­ity. These latter three services are cultural ecosystem services, which are rarely studied and their spatial distribution is poorly known. I developed and applied a framework to classify and map the provision of cultural ecosystem services as experienced by tourists in the Ugam Chatkal National Nature Park, which is lo­cated in the Uzbek Tashkent region. In this study, a photo-based questionnaire survey is combined with cartographic images of different landscape types to ob­tain hot and cold spot areas of cultural ecosystem services. The tourists’ socio­demographic backgrounds on how they perceive these services are statistically analyzed. Each cultural ecosystem service shows a distinct spatial pattern in its distribution and in the different landscapes (i.e. natural lakes, traditional mead­ows, and forests) in which they occur. Specifically, midlands landscapes between 1,200 masl and 3,500 masl are considered as hotspot areas for recreational ac­tivities, aesthetic beauty, and spirituality. The highland zones above 3,500 masl mainly provide cultural heritage and recreational activities. The lowland plains below 1,200 masl do not provide major services. My results demonstrate that the tourist perception is most influenced by nationality and degree of education. Other factors, such as gender, age, and environmental behavior have a less im­portance in defining tourists’ perceptions.

Agro-ecological distribution of the phenotypic diversity of aerial yam (Dioscorea bulbifera L.) in Cameroon using multivariate analysis: prospect for germplasm conservation and improvement

Abstract Aerial yam (Dioscorea bulbifera L.) is a crop of great economic importance and an excellent candidate for improving food security in developing countries. Understanding the genetic variability of any crop species is a decisive step for its improvement and requires characterization and evaluation of available germplasm. The objectives of this study were to determine the extent of genetic variability, estimate the association between agromorphological traits and clustering among 57 genotypes of aerial yam from three distinct agro-ecological zones in Cameroon using multivariate analysis. Thirty nine characters (23 qualitative and 16 quantitative) were used for the study. Significant differences in genetic diversity indices were found. Accessions from the bimodal humid forest zone (Na = 2.08, He = 0.27) showed significantly lower diversity compared to both western highland (Na = 2.30, He = 0.34) and humid monomodal forest zones (Na = 2.57, He = 0.32). Means values of most quantitative traits also showed significant differences between agro-ecological zones. Batingla-3 and Bawouwoua-1 had important bulbil yield, reaching 3500 g / plant. Significant associations were found between many traits. The use of the Unweighted Pair Group Method with Arithmetic Mean allowed the distribution of the 57 genotypes into six distinct clusters with the clustering pattern not showing any parallelism with location sites or agro-ecological zones. Mahalanobis D2 statistics revealed the highest inter-cluster distance between cluster II and VI. Accessions of these clusters are potential parents for future breeding programs. This study showed that aerial yam from Cameroon has an enormous wealth of traits variation, indicating huge potential for its genetic improvement through selection and hybridization.

Soils in high-land landscapes of Santa Isabel (Tolima, Colombia), are they a carbon sink?

El cambio climático global es uno de los problemas más graves de la humanidad, causado, principalmente, por el aumento de CO2 y otros gases de efecto invernadero en la atmósfera . Se reconoce que las emisiones de estos gases pueden ser reducidas disminuyendo su emisión o aumentando su remoción y depósito, en sumideros terrestres . El suelo es el mayor sumidero de carbono (C) y mitiga su creciente concentración atmosférica . Los paisajes rurales alto-andinos retienen importantes cantidades de C orgánico del suelo (COS), teniendo un papel fundamental en su ciclo global, pero ha sido poco valorado . El objetivo de este estudio fue estimar el COS en los principales usos de la tierra y los impactos del cambio de uso en paisajes alto-andinos en Santa Isabel - Tolima, Colombia . Se evaluaron tres usos del suelo: (i) cultivos agrícolas (CA), (ii) sistemas silvo-pastoriles de pasturas con árboles dispersos (SSP) y (iii) bosques nativos (BN), estimando la densidad aparente, por el método del cilindro y la concentración de COS, a una profundidad de 0-40cm . La densidad aparente, se incrementó notablemente, al cambiar de BN a CA y SSP (0,35 a 0,61 y 0,65g/cm3, respectivamente) . Contrastando, la concentración de COS, se redujo al convertir BN a usos agropecuarios (8,9 a 5,8%) . Los BN almacenaron más C que los CA y SSP (122,4; 79,6 y 79,8t/ha, respectivamente), causando una emisión potencial de 157 t CO2/ha, en caso de deforestación . Procesos contrarios implican captura de C atmosférico . La conservación de BN alto-andinos debe estar altamente considerados en las políticas nacionales y regionales.

Gateway to theYayla: The Varneti Archaeological Complex in the Southern Caucasus Highlands

Recent ground surveys in the Samtskhe-Javakheti region of southern Georgia have investigated a previously undocumented group of sites along a ridge overlooking the upper Kura river valley. Features and artefacts recorded at Varneti suggest long but episodic occupation from the Chalcolithic to the later medieval periods, with prominent phases in the Early to Middle Bronze Age and the Late Bronze Age to Early Iron Age. Varneti has the potential to contribute to understanding economic and strategic aspects of the long-term settlement pattern in the southern Caucasus, especially the interplay between lowland and highland zones. Its position in the landscape, at a transitional point between the river valley and the upland pasture (yayla), may explain its persistent use by agro-pastoral communities that operated in varied cultural situations. The survey results help us frame a series of questions regarding economic and social dynamics at a local and regional scale and the continuity and discontinuity of practice in highland environments through long timespans.

AN APPROACH TO CHARACTERISE AGRICULTURAL LIVELIHOODS AND LIVELIHOOD ZONES USING NATIONAL CENSUS DATA IN TIMOR-LESTE

SUMMARYThis research aimed to develop a typology of agriculture in Timor-Leste using national census data at the village level. Although Timor-Leste is a relatively small nation, its varied topography contains a rich diversity in agricultural livelihoods, from coffee covered mountains, to dryland-swidden agriculture. Each of the livelihoods are very complex, with a single household often managing more than 10 crop and 4–5 animal species in very small holdings. Using census data from each village only, statistical clustering analysis was used to group villages with similar levels of participation in crop and livestock production. The clustered village groups were then mapped, and it was seen that villages in each cluster, occupied particular locations. Using expert knowledge about the locations of each cluster, livelihood zones based on a small number of rules were defined to mimic the output of the clustering. Seven livelihood zones were identified from mapping the livelihood systems. These included three zones with irrigation (rice-based), two highland zones (coffee-based) and two lowland zones based on rain-fed agriculture. Government and development agencies have endorsed the typology of livelihood zones, which is now in use for planning and decision-making. The technique of using national census data to define agricultural zones through statistical clustering can be replicated wherever there is reliable village-level census data.

Contribution by vertebrates to seed dispersal effectiveness in the Galápagos Islands: a community-wide approach.

Seed dispersal and seedling recruitment are crucial phases in the life cycle of all spermatophyte plants. The net contribution of seed dispersers to plant establishment is known as seed dispersal effectiveness (SDE) and is defined as the product of a quantitative (number of seeds dispersed) and a qualitative (probability of recruitment) component. In Galápagos, we studied the direct contribution to SDE (number of seeds dispersed and effect on seedling emergence) provided by the five island groups of frugivores (giant tortoises, lizards, medium-sized passerine birds, small non-finch passerine birds, and finches) in the two main habitats in this archipelago: the lowland and the highland zones, and found 16 vertebrate species dispersing 58 plant species. Data on frequency of occurrence of seeds in droppings and number of seeds dispersed per unit area produced contrasting patterns of seed dispersal. Based on the former, giant tortoises and medium-sized passerines were the most important seed dispersers. However, based on the latter, small non-finch passerines were the most important dispersers, followed by finches and medium-sized passerines. The effect of disperser gut passage on seedling emergence varied greatly depending on both the disperser and the plant species. Although the contribution to SDE provided by different disperser guilds changed across plant species, medium-sized passerines (e.g., mockingbirds) provided a higher contribution to SDE than lava lizards in 10 out of 16 plant species analysed, whereas lava lizards provided a higher contribution to SDE than birds in five plant species. While both the quantitative and qualitative components addressed are important, our data suggests that the former is a better predictor of SDE in the Galápagos archipelago.

Effect of climatic variability on malaria trends in Baringo County, Kenya

BackgroundMalaria transmission in arid and semi-arid regions of Kenya such as Baringo County, is seasonal and often influenced by climatic factors. Unravelling the relationship between climate variables and malaria transmission dynamics is therefore instrumental in developing effective malaria control strategies. The main aim of this study was to describe the effects of variability of rainfall, maximum temperature and vegetation indices on seasonal trends of malaria in selected health facilities within Baringo County, Kenya.MethodsClimate variables sourced from the International Research Institute (IRI)/Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory (LDEO) climate database and malaria cases reported in 10 health facilities spread across four ecological zones (riverine, lowland, mid-altitude and highland) between 2004 and 2014 were subjected to a time series analysis. A negative binomial regression model with lagged climate variables was used to model long-term monthly malaria cases. The seasonal Mann–Kendall trend test was then used to detect overall monotonic trends in malaria cases.ResultsMalaria cases increased significantly in the highland and midland zones over the study period. Changes in malaria prevalence corresponded to variations in rainfall and maximum temperature. Rainfall at a time lag of 2 months resulted in an increase in malaria transmission across the four zones while an increase in temperature at time lags of 0 and 1 month resulted in an increase in malaria cases in the riverine and highland zones, respectively.ConclusionGiven the existence of a time lag between climatic variables more so rainfall and peak malaria transmission, appropriate control measures can be initiated at the onset of short and after long rains seasons.

Effect of climate change on phytochemical diversity, total phenolic content and in vitro antioxidant activity of Aloe vera (L.)\xa0Burm.f.

BackgroundThe aim of the present study was to analyse the effect of climate change on phytochemicals, total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant potential of methanolic extracts of Aloe vera collected from different climatic zones of the India.MethodsCrude methanolic extracts of A. vera from the different states of India were screened for presence of various phytochemicals, total phenolic content and in vitro antioxidant activity. Total phenolic content was tested by Folin–Ciocalteau reagent based assay whilst DPPH free radical scavenging assay, metal chelating assay, hydrogen peroxide scavenging assay, reducing power assay and β carotene-linoleic assay were used to assess the antioxidant potential of A. vera methanolic leaf extracts.ResultsAlkaloids, phenols, flavonoids, saponins, and terpenes were the main phytochemicals presents in all accessions. A significant positive correlation was found between TPC and antioxidant activity of different accessions. Extracts of highland and semi-arid zones possessed maximum antioxidant potential. Accessions from tropical zones showed the least antioxidant activity in all assays.ConclusionsIt could be concluded that different agro-climatic conditions have effects on the phytochemicals, total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant potential of the A. vera plant. The results reveal that A. vera can be a potential source of novel natural antioxidant compounds.

A national health facility survey of malaria infection among febrile patients in Kenya, 2014.

BackgroundThe use of malaria infection prevalence among febrile patients at clinics has a potential to be a valuable epidemiological surveillance tool. However, routine data are incomplete and not all fevers are tested. This study was designed to screen all fevers for malaria infection in Kenya to explore the epidemiology of fever test positivity rates.MethodsRandom sampling was used within five malaria epidemiological zones of Kenya (i.e., high lake endemic, moderate coast endemic, highland epidemic, seasonal low transmission and low risk zones). The selected sample was representative of the number of hospitals, health centres and dispensaries within each zone. Fifty patients with fever presenting to each sampled health facility during the short rainy season were screened for malaria infection using a rapid diagnostic test (RDT). Details of age, pregnancy status and basic demographics were recorded for each patient screened.Results10,557 febrile patients presenting to out-patient clinics at 234 health facilities were screened for malaria infection. 1633 (15.5%) of the patients surveyed were RDT positive for malaria at 124 (53.0%) facilities. Infection prevalence among non-pregnant patients varied between malaria risk zones, ranging from 0.6% in the low risk zone to 41.6% in the high lake endemic zone. Test positivity rates (TPR) by age group reflected the differences in the intensity of transmission between epidemiological zones. In the lake endemic zone, 6% of all infections were among children aged less than 1 year, compared to 3% in the coast endemic, 1% in the highland epidemic zone, less than 1% in the seasonal low transmission zone and 0% in the low risk zone. Test positivity rate was 31% among febrile pregnant women in the high lake endemic zone compared to 9% in the coast endemic and highland epidemic zones, 3.2% in the seasonal low transmission zone and zero in the low risk zone.ConclusionMalaria infection rates among febrile patients, with supporting data on age and pregnancy status presenting to clinics in Kenya can provide invaluable epidemiological data on spatial heterogeneity of malaria and serve as replacements to more expensive community-based infection rates to plan and monitor malaria control.

Geogenetic patterns in mouse lemurs (genus Microcebus) reveal the ghosts of Madagascar's forests past

Phylogeographic analysis can be described as the study of the geological and climatological processes that have produced contemporary geographic distributions of populations and species. Here, we attempt to understand how the dynamic process of landscape change on Madagascar has shaped the distribution of a targeted clade of mouse lemurs (genus Microcebus) and, conversely, how phylogenetic and population genetic patterns in these small primates can reciprocally advance our understanding of Madagascar's prehuman environment. The degree to which human activity has impacted the natural plant communities of Madagascar is of critical and enduring interest. Today, the eastern rainforests are separated from the dry deciduous forests of the west by a large expanse of presumed anthropogenic grassland savanna, dominated by the Family Poaceae, that blankets most of the Central Highlands. Although there is firm consensus that anthropogenic activities have transformed the original vegetation through agricultural and pastoral practices, the degree to which closed-canopy forest extended from the east to the west remains debated. Phylogenetic and population genetic patterns in a five-species clade of mouse lemurs suggest that longitudinal dispersal across the island was readily achieved throughout the Pleistocene, apparently ending at ∼55 ka. By examining patterns of both inter- and intraspecific genetic diversity in mouse lemur species found in the eastern, western, and Central Highland zones, we conclude that the natural environment of the Central Highlands would have been mosaic, consisting of a matrix of wooded savanna that formed a transitional zone between the extremes of humid eastern and dry western forest types.

First detection of Paenibacillus larvae the causative agent of American Foulbrood in a Ugandan honeybee colony.

Paenibacillus larvae is a highly contagious and often lethal widely distributed pathogen of honeybees, Apis mellifera but has not been reported in eastern Africa to date. We investigated the presence of P. larvae in the eastern and western highland agro-ecological zones of Uganda by collecting brood and honey samples from 67 honeybee colonies in two sampling occasions and cultivated them for P. larvae. Also, 8 honeys imported and locally retailed in Uganda were sampled and cultivated for P. larvae. Our aim was to establish the presence and distribution of P. larvae in honeybee populations in the two highland agro-ecological zones of Uganda and to determine if honeys that were locally retailed contained this lethal pathogen. One honeybee colony without clinical symptoms for P. larvae in an apiary located in a protected area of the western highlands of Uganda was found positive for P. larvae. The strain of this P. larvae was genotyped and found to be ERIC I. In order to compare its virulence with P. larvae reference strains, in vitro infection experiments were conducted with carniolan honeybee larvae from the research laboratory at Ghent University, Belgium. The results show that the virulence of the P. larvae strain found in Uganda was at least equally high. The epidemiological implication of the presence of P. larvae in a protected area is discussed.

Potato Production in Thailand

Potato production has increased dramatically in recent years in Thailand. Consumer demand for fresh and processed potatoes has driven this trend. Most potatoes are produced in northern Thailand in either double cropping highland zones or as a single winter crop following rice in lowland regions. Major production constraints are quality seed, cultivars adapted to short season warm climates, and high disease incidence. There is a need for increased research for cultivar development, access to high quality seed and improved commercial potato production practices.

Factors influencing the prevalence and infestation levels of Varroa destructor in honeybee colonies in two highland agro-ecological zones of Uganda.

Varroa mites are ecto-parasites of honeybees and are a threat to the beekeeping industry. We identified the haplotype of Varroa mites and evaluated potential factors that influence their prevalence and infestation levels in the eastern and western highland agro-ecological zones of Uganda. This was done by collecting samples of adult worker bees between December 2014 and September 2015 in two sampling moments. Samples of bees were screened for Varroa using the ethanol wash method and the mites were identified by molecular techniques. All DNA sequences obtained from sampled mite populations in the two zones were 100 % identical to the Korean Haplotype (AF106899). Mean mite prevalence in the apiaries was 40 and 53 % for the western and eastern zones, respectively, during the first sampling. Over the second sampling, mean mite prevalence increased considerably in the western (59 %) but not in the eastern (51 %) zone. Factors that were associated with Varroa mite infestation levels include altitude, nature of apiary slope and apiary management practices during the first sampling. Our results further showed that Varroa mites were spreading from lower to higher elevations. Feral colonies were also infested with Varroa mites at infestation levels not significantly different from those in managed colonies. Colony productivity and strength were not correlated to mite infestation levels. We recommend a long-term Varroa mite monitoring strategy in areas of varying landscape and land use factors for a clear understanding of possible changes in mite infestation levels among African honeybees for informed decision making.

Incidence of Aflatoxigenic Fungi and Aflatoxins in Maize Cultivated in Highland and Mid-altitude Agro-ecological Zones in Kenya

Incidence of Aflatoxigenic Fungi and Aflatoxins in Maize Cultivated in Highland and Mid-altitude Agro-ecological Zones in Kenya